Philly attorney accused of sexually assaulting 14-year-old victim of human trafficking

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A grand jury has accused a Center City lawyer of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who had been forced into prostitution.   Prosecutors say it’s a case of human trafficking.

Assistant Philadelphia District Attorney Meghan Goddard says the grand jury found enough probable cause to recommend 56-year-old lawyer Brian Meehan be charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault of the girl on several occasions.  

“This arrest shows the underground world of human trafficking is fueled by predators from all walks of life,” Goddard said. 

District Attorney Seth Williams says testimony by the girl included specific details about the attorney’s office and his life to verify her allegations.

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“She even detailed this defendant’s wife made Irish potatoes that the defendant tried to give her some,” he said.

Williams says Meehan admitted to the girl this was not a case of mistaken identity.

“Meehan told her that he knew that she was only 14 years old, that he liked young girls,” said Williams.

Meehan has surrendered to authorities.

Williams says he expects more people to be charged in the human-trafficking case.

 

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